A Conversation with Russell Stacy, CEO of Dallas Safari Club, on hunting, conservation and community outreach

In this episode of Bringing Back the Wild, host Mike Arnold sits down with Russell Stacy, CEO of the Dallas Safari Club, for an in-depth conversation about hunting heritage, leadership, and conservation impact. Russell shares how he grew up hunting in rural Louisiana and South Texas, learning the outdoors from his father and developing a lifelong passion for whitetails, quail, and waterfowl. He reflects on harvesting his first deer at seven years old and explains how hunting shaped his values, family traditions, and work ethic. Thanksgiving and Christmas hunts in South Texas still anchor his year and connect him to a tight-knit hunting community. The conversation traces Russell’s journey from first attending a Dallas Safari Club convention to becoming a dedicated volunteer, board member, foundation president, and ultimately CEO. He explains how volunteering opened doors and why the organization’s strong volunteer culture sets it apart. Russell also breaks down the roles of the Dallas Safari Club and the Dallas Safari Club Foundation, highlighting advocacy, conservation, and education efforts around the world. He discusses successful projects in Africa, Canada, and the United States, including anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and wildlife research. Throughout the episode, Russell emphasizes community, mentorship, and the responsibility hunters carry in sustaining wildlife for future generations. Sponsors of Bringing Back the Wild include: Dallas Safari Club, Royal Outfitters UK, Life-Form Taxidermy, Zambeze Delta Safaris, and Choctaw Hunting Lodge.